The history of the FIS Ski World Cup Lauberhorn (Wengen). The Lauberhorn Races are among the oldest and most prestigious ski races in the world, first held in 1930 in Wengen. It is organised as a combined race, and the event quickly gained international attention due to its demanding terrain and Alpine setting. When the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup was launched in 1967, Lauberhorn became a permanent and iconic stop on the calendar.
Over the decades, the Lauberhorn Downhill earned legendary status as the longest downhill course in World Cup skiing, famous for sections like the Hundschopf jump and extreme top speeds. The downhill course is the longest in the world; its length of over 4.4 km results in run times of two and a half minutes; top speeds approach 160 km/h on its Haneggschuss.
The races in Wengen in the Bernese Oberland are held in mid-January, usually the week before the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel.
Q1. What is the FIS Ski World Cup Lauberhorn Wengen?
The FIS Ski World Cup Lauberhorn Wengen is a major men’s alpine skiing event on the FIS World Cup circuit. The world’s best skiers compete in speed and technical races every January.
Q2. Where is the Lauberhorn race held?
The races are held on the Lauberhorn mountain, above the village of Wengen.
Q3. When is the Lauberhorn 2026 ski race?
The Lauberhorn World Cup 2026 took place January 16–18, 2026, based on the event’s traditional mid-January schedule. The official dates were confirmed by the International Ski Federation (FIS).
Q4. Who organises this event?
The FIS Ski World Cup Lauberhorn Wengen 2026 event, like all World Cup races, is organised under the umbrella of the International Ski Federation (FIS). Local Swiss organisers manage logistics and course preparation.
Q5. What does FIS stand for in skiing?
The International Ski Federation (FIS) is the governing body for international skiing and snowboarding, founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France.
Q6.How to qualify for the FIS World Cup?
To qualify for the FIS World Cup, a skier should earn enough FIS points to compete in recognised FIS races and achieve the minimum points criteria set by FIS. They must also be selected by their national ski federation, which enters them into World Cup events based on rankings and quotas.
Q7.Who is the CEO of FIS?
The CEO of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) is Michel Vion. He serves as Secretary General, a role that functions as the chief executive, overseeing daily operations and global ski and snowboard competitions.
Q8. How do I know which type of skiing I should choose?
The right ski type depends on your skill level, fitness, speed preference, and interest. If you enjoy speed, you should choose alpine skiing; if you like endurance, then go for cross-country; if you enjoy tricks, freestyle skiing is best, and if you don't want to ski, then go for snowboarding.
Q9. How do I get tickets for Lauberhorn 2026?
You can purchase tickets through:
1. Official site: www.lauberhorn.ch/en/tickets
2. Authorised tour operators (often include train + hotel + tickets)
3. On-site (limited availability; not recommended for popular zones)
Most viewing areas are free, but grandstands and VIP zones require paid tickets.
Q10. What races are included in Lauberhorn Wengen?
The traditional Lauberhorn Wengen ski race weekend features three main Alpine Ski World Cup events: a Super-G on Friday, the famous and challenging Downhill on Saturday, and a technical Slalom on Sunday, making it a classic weekend with speed and skill tests.
Q11. Why is the Lauberhorn downhill so famous?
The Lauberhorn downhill is famous for being the longest World Cup downhill course, blending extreme speeds (over 160 km/h) and breathtaking scenery.
Q12. How fast do skiers go on Lauberhorn?
Skiers reach top speeds exceeding 160 km/h (100 mph), especially on the fast Haneggschuss straight, with the record set by Johan Clarey at 161.9 km/h (100.6 mph)
Q13. Is the Lauberhorn course dangerous?
Yes, the Lauberhorn course is considered one of the most demanding and dangerous on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit for professional racers. Its extreme length, high speeds, and technically challenging sections combine to push athletes to their absolute limits.
Q14. What is the Hundschopf jump?
The Hundschopf jump is a legendary, extremely steep, and narrow cliff jump on the Lauberhorn downhill ski race course in Wengen, Switzerland.
Q15. When did the Lauberhorn races begin?
The Lauberhorn races in Wengen, Switzerland, began in 1930, organised by Ernst Gertsch as one of the world's first international downhill ski competitions, featuring both Downhill and Slalom events from the start.
Q16. Who competes in Lauberhorn Wengen?
The top male alpine skiers from all around the world. Only qualified World Cup athletes are allowed to race.
Q17. Which countries participate in the FIS Ski World Cup?
Many countries participate in the FIS Ski World Cup, with top nations consistently including Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Italy, the USA, France, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and Slovenia, alongside others like Croatia, Czechia, Poland, and even countries from Asia and South America for specific events.
Q18. Are Lauberhorn 2026 tickets on sale yet?
As of December 2025, tickets for Lauberhorn 2026 are not yet on sale. Sales typically open in late summer or early fall 2025 via the official Lauberhorn website. To receive ticket sales alerts, visit the Lauberhorn newsletter.
Q19. How do people reach Wengen for Lauberhorn?
Visitors can reach Wengen by train, bus, or private transfer. Most travellers take a train to Lauterbrunnen, while those preferring comfort and door-to-door service often choose private Bern Airport Transfer, which provides reliable and comfortable private transfers.
Q20.Are there accommodation options in Wengen?
Yes—but book early! Most hotels sell out 6–12 months in advance. Options range from luxury (Hotel Falken, Hotel Schönegg) to guesthouses and chalets.
Q21. What are the weather conditions during the race?
Weather conditions during the FIS Ski World Cup Lauberhorn races in Wengen vary widely year to year, ranging from clear, sunny days to heavy snowfall, high winds, fog, or even rain, which can lead to cancellations or schedule changes.
Q22. What makes Lauberhorn different from other ski races?
The Lauberhorn ski race is unique due to several features that distinguish it from other World Cup events, such as the longest downhill course in the circuit, the highest top speeds, and several unorthodox, natural terrain elements not typically found in modern, man-made courses.
Q23. Are private transfers available for Lauberhorn Wengen?
Yes, private transfers are available and highly recommended during Lauberhorn for a smooth and comfortable ride. Services like Bern Chauffeur service offer stress-free travel with professional drivers and spacious vehicles for ski luggage.
Q24. Is the Lauberhorn course the same every year?
The core route remains unchanged, but minor adjustments may be made for safety or snow conditions. The 4.48 km course with sections like Silberhornsprung and Zielschuss is consistent year to year.
Q25. What is the best way to travel with family?
The best option is a private transfer, as it offers comfort, safety, and flexibility for families. Services like Grandlane Transfer provide spacious vehicles, child-friendly travel, and stress-free journeys, ideal when travelling with kids and luggage.
Q26. What if the race is cancelled or postponed?
In rare cases (e.g., high winds, poor visibility), races may be postponed by 1–2 days or cancelled. Ticket policies vary. Paid tickets are usually non-refundable, but check the terms and conditions on the official page.
Q27. What are the best budget-friendly hotels to stay in Wengen during Lauberhorn?
For budget-friendly stays in Wengen during the Lauberhorn races, look into hotels like Hotel Victoria-Lauberhorn, Hotel Jungfraublick, Hotel Edelweiss, Hotel Alpenruhe, and Swiss Lodge Hotel Bernerhof, but book way in advance, as Wengen gets pricey during events.
Q28. What is the best luxury hotel in Wengen for business and premium travellers?
For premium business travel in Wengen, Hotel Regina and Beausite Park Hotel & Spa stand out, offering luxury amenities, stunning views, and excellent service. At the same time, Hotel Edelweiss provides high-end comfort with a charming, personalised touch, catering to discerning travellers seeking top-tier experiences.
Q29. Is Lauberhorn family-friendly?
Absolutely! Families attend every year. Bring kids early, use sleds for little ones, and visit the fan zone near the finish line with food, music, and athlete appearances.
Q30. What is the exact prize money offered in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup?
For the 2025–26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season, prize money per individual race is set in euros with a standardised payout to the top 30 finishers:
1. €167,619 total prize pool for a typical World Cup race (Price Reference: FSI)
2. €54,709 to the winner, €25,608 for 2nd, €13,968 for 3rd, and descending amounts down to €816 for 30th place. (Price Reference: FSI)
Enjoy FSI Ski World Cup Lauberhorn Wengen 2026 by making hotel stay and ground transportation arrangements in Advance.
The 96th International Lauberhorn Races took place January 16–18, 2026, in Wengen, Switzerland. Three races. Three days. Moments of history on every one of them.
Starting first from bib 1, 24-year-old Italian Giovanni Franzoni set the time at 1:45.19 and never gave up the lead — winning the Lauberhorn Super-G wire-to-wire for his first World Cup victory. Not a single skier in the entire field could run him down.
The full podium:
| Position | Athlete | Nation | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Giovanni Franzoni | Italy | 1:45.19 |
| 2nd | Stefan Babinsky | Austria | +0.35 |
| 3rd | Franjo von Allmen | Switzerland | +0.37 |
| 4th | Marco Odermatt | Switzerland | +0.53 |
For Franzoni, the win carried a deeply personal dimension. Three years earlier, he suffered a serious crash at Canadian Corner — the very section where he made the decisive difference on Friday. "Maybe it's destiny," he said. "I grew a lot mentally. I tried to enjoy every day, enjoy the slope, enjoy the speed."
This was the defining moment of the 2026 Wengen weekend. Marco Odermatt completed his coronation as the king of the Lauberhorn, racing to an unprecedented fourth straight downhill victory on the Wengen piste on Saturday, January 17.
Strong winds forced organisers to shorten the course, with skiers starting from the Hundschopf jump rather than the traditional top. It made no difference to Odermatt. He stopped the clock in 1:33.14, winning by 0.79 seconds over Vincent Kriechmayr — a dominant margin on a shortened course where time gaps usually compress.
The full podium:
| Position | Athlete | Nation | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Marco Odermatt | Switzerland | 1:33.14 |
| 2nd | Vincent Kriechmayr | Austria | +0.79 |
| 3rd | Giovanni Franzoni | Italy | +0.90 |
| 4th | Franjo von Allmen | Switzerland | +0.93 |
| 5th | Alexis Monney | Switzerland | +0.95 |
With this victory, Odermatt overtook compatriot Beat Feuz and the great Austrian Franz Klammer as the undisputed King of the Lauberhorn — a record that may stand for a generation. The Swiss crowd of tens of thousands packed the hillside responded with thunderous "Odi, Odi, Odi" chants as he crossed the finish line.
"Today from the very first gate I was so ready to push — every turn was great," Odermatt said. "Wengen suits me well from wherever we start."
Sunday delivered the drama the slalom always promises at Wengen. Norwegian skier Atle Lie McGrath claimed a second straight slalom victory in Wengen on Sunday, January 18, to launch him into first place in the discipline standings of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2025-26 season.
The full podium:
| Position | Athlete | Nation | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Atle Lie McGrath | Norway | 1:45.99 |
| 2nd | Lucas Pinheiro Braathen | Brazil | +0.47 |
| 3rd | Henrik Kristoffersen | Norway | +0.81 |
The race carried extra significance for Kristoffersen — his Wengen podium was the 100th of his World Cup career, a milestone celebrated by the entire finish area. "It's a very nice hill with a lot of spectators. I'm very satisfied with the day overall," he said. McGrath, skiing last under maximum pressure, held his nerve completely. "I can't believe it. I felt so nervous today — that was one of the best second runs of my career," he told FIS TV.
| Race | Date | Winner | Nation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super-G | Fri 16 Jan | Giovanni Franzoni | Italy |
| Downhill | Sat 17 Jan | Marco Odermatt | Switzerland |
| Slalom | Sun 18 Jan | Atle Lie McGrath | Norway |
Three races, three different winners, three different nations. The 2026 Lauberhorn delivered exactly what it has promised since 1930 — world-class competition on the most iconic mountain in alpine ski racing.
Tens of thousands of spectators descend on Wengen each January, and getting there smoothly — especially with ski equipment, families, or tight race-day timing — is half the challenge. A private transfer to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen avoids the queues, the parking scramble, and the stress. Your driver handles it. You focus on the race.
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